Summer holidays are just around the corner for many of us, and although we might like to look at it as a time to throw off our daily commitments and let loose, the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actually asking everyone to be a bit more responsible this year.
In an increasingly chaotic world, even countries that we assume to be straightforward to navigate can have their problems for foreign travellers – be it conflict flare-ups, natural disasters, or even new bureaucratic procedures. Travel advice can change quickly these days, flight routes can be suspended, and vaccination requirements can change.
In this age of Instagram (other picture posting sites are available), everything appears effortless. All holidays are glamorous and without complication. The sunset is yours alone and not the 5,000 other people on the rock with you. The exotic local speciality is divine, and never comes with a side dish of gastroenteritis, the swimsuit fits perfectly and the budgie smugglers look more like penguin smugglers. It's all too easy not to take travel seriously. But the message from Belgium's Foreign Ministry is that, unfortunately, we should.
I hope that hasn't put too much of a downer on your summer plans, but better safe than sorry. And if you feel like testing some of your geography knowledge, then why not join the team from The Brussels Times next Tuesday, 24 June, at the Full Circle club. They are hosting a pub quiz, and they kindly asked us here at The Brussels Times to provide the questions, and help out. It will be a chance to meet some of the reporting team and show off your knowledge.
Find all the details via this link. We hope to see you there.
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